Bongani Khumalo ready to hunt down London's nasty Lions

Bongani Khumalo is all fired up for his League debut for Reading on Saturday – against Millwall at the Madejski Stadium.

Bafana Bafana defender Bongani Khumalo – sent out on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur after the Vodacom Challenge barely a week ago – played his first game in the blue-and-white hoops of the Royals in a 2-1 pre-season friendly win at neighbours Swindon Town on Saturday and immediately turned his attention to the opening Championship showdown.

It was against Millwall – the “Lions” who have a reputation as the nastiest team in the EastEnd of London – that Khumalo injured his metatarsal while loan at doomed Preston North End last season.

The Swaziland-born, Pretoria-raised 24-year-old says: "Millwall? It's a sweet start – Preston v Millwall was my last game in the Championship after my foot injury, so I'm looking forward to it. I'll be really fired up for the Lions!”

Though South African observers expressed doubt over their world-class defender going on loan to another second-tier club in England, Khumalo insists he has made the right decision.

Khumalo has played at the Madejski Stadium, just off the M4 40 miles west of London, before – when Preston were crushed 2-1 by play-off bound Reading last season.

He recalls: "It was a tough game, I remember thinking the football here is very good - the players were quick, strong and very direct - as a defender it was a busy night!

"I just got a great feeling from the club after coming here with Preston and it just felt right. I spoke with the manager Brian McDermott and I was very impressed with his plans for the season, so after that there was really only one option."

Though he was also linked to Scottish champions Rangers, Khumalo says of Reading, who reached the play-off final before losing to Swindon Town last season: "It's amazing and an unbelievable setup here. Everyone's very friendly and I'm looking forward to getting the season off to a good start. I’ve always wanted to play in England, it’s great, a wonderful opportunity.

"I just want to be the best possible player I can be for this club. I want to grow as a person as well as a footballer. It's been magic so far (since his £1.5m move from then-South African champions Supersports United in January) and I have learnt a lot."

Put the knitting away dear, it's nearly time for football... and plenty of needle!

Right, put the knitting away dear, turn off the Bold and the Beautiful... the football season is nearly upon us.

But my, how different things look since the end of last term, when Orlando Pirates, managed by Ruud Krol, saw off Ajax Cape Town, led by Foppe de Haan, and Ian Gorowa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

Now of course, we’ve got Julio Cesar Jeal, Maarten Stekelenburg and the world-famous Dutchman Johan Neeskens in charge with Kaizer Chiefs boss Vladimir Vermezovic the only surviving manager in the top four. Incredible. Krol gone after winning just about everything. Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger never suffer such insecurity.

But as we will find out at Soccer City on Saturday when Chiefs play Pirates yet again, some new-fangled money-maker called the Black Label Cup, there’ve been a few personnel changes among South Africa’s top teams too.

Most important departure? That could turn out to be South African Premier League top-scorer Knowledge Musona if his move from Kaizer Chiefs to Hoffenheim in Germany finally works out.

Otherwise, Ajax have lost the most significant player in their armoury – and the man voted South Africa’s finest last season – Thulani Serero. He is currently receiving rave reviews after a goalscoring debut at Ajax’s Amsterdam Arena last week.

There are others who could yet move before the European transfer window slams shut. Siphiwe Tshabala could still leave Chiefs after reported interest from Nottingham Forest’s new boss Steve McClaren failed to materialise. Morgan Gould, mysteriously rejected by Crystal Palace, may yet find another lucrative route out of Supersports United. Sundowns’ wantaway striker Katlego “Killer” Mphela is currently on trial with Scottish giants Celtic.

But South Africans worried about the exodus of top talent should not be overly concerned. With the big shake-up at treble-winning Pirates comes new blood.

The most impressive of those? Siyabonga Sangweni, 28, from Golden Arrows who looked solid at centreback during the Vodacom Cup, closely followed by young winger Sameehg Doutie from Ajax Cape Town and Namibian netbuster Rudolf Bester from Martizburg United.

Chiefs, clearly worried about the possible departure of Musona to Hoffenheim or the newly-interested Celtic, have picked up the man who finished behind him in the SAPL top-scorers’ race last year, Lehlohonolo Majoro from Amazulu. The 24-year-old spiky-haired firebrand from Ladybrand was highly impressive in the Amakhosi’s sparkling 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the opening game of the Vodacom challenge and looks a great buy.

At the back, where Chiefs needed a bit of work, Vlad the Impaler has speared Wits University’s teak-tough Tefu Mashamaite to shore up the centre and pointedly signed Keegan Richie from Moroka Swallows to replace left back Punch Masanamela, who left for apparently greener pastures at Sundowns’ HM Pitje Stadium.

Punch should prove a hit for South Africa’s so-called Brazilians and the much-hyped Neeskens, but his move may be overshadowed by the arrival of Gbolohan Salami. Little is known of the 20-year-old from Nigeria’s Sunshine Stars but early reports suggest an “old-fashioned centre-forward” with bulk and brawn. Might be a handful.

Uganda goalkeeper Dennis Onyango is training with Sundowns and the word is former Orlando Pirates sensation Teko Modise has recaptured some of his old sparkle under Neeskens.

It’s Ajax you have to worry about. Always destined to be a bit of a selling club, the Amsterdam-based franchise has added Serero to a list of top quality graduates which features such luminaries as Steven Pienaar and Benni McCarthy.

With De Haan finally retired and back in Europe, the untried Stekelenburg has a real job on his hands to keep the Mother City in the Championship chase again this season. No obvious replacement for Serero or Doutie has been purchased, though they have a queue of young talent eager to break through while Cole Alexander and Aiden Jenniker are both back from loan spells.

In goal, where some suggest the now-retired veteran Hans Vonk handed over the title to Pirates on the last day of the season, Stekelenburg has poached former Liverpool gloveman Sander Westerveld from Italian club Monza.

Still, Stekelenburg, who lists Pienaar and Spurs team-mate Rafael van der Vaart among his successes as a youth coach in Amsterdam, argues: “Foppe was very experienced, I’m very young. He was quiet and within himself, I’m a bit of an extrovert.

“But I’ll play the same 4-3-3 format, possession football. This club has finished second three times in the South African Premier League, so this is a huge opportunity for me.

“Serero is a special talent, you can’t really replace him. But I must try to find somebody who can play in his position in a different way.

“Sometimes a bit of arrogance is good, be humble off the field but take the lead on it. I’m confidence I can do the job.”

Just as Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City are expected to dominate the English Premier League this season, so Pirates, Chiefs, Sundowns and Ajax are expected to remain the top four in South Africa.

But if Liverpool and Spurs are pushing for those Champions League places in England, who can we pull out of the hat to challenge the top four in South Africa?

The season-opening MTN8 competition will throw some of those contenders in to the fray, with Santos, Bloemfontein Celtic and Wits hoping to conjure a lucrative early boost to their challenge against Pirates, Sundowns and Chiefs respectively.

But for me it’s Supersports United – drawn against Ajax in the MTN8 - who may be the side to watch after finishing a disappointing eighth last season. The Pretoria-based side have persuaded Gavin Hunt to stay in charge and will be hoping for a return to the sort of form they showed winning three successive titles in 2008, 2009 and 2010. They’ve signed a dozen new players and Nasief Morris, 29, after a European career which took in Greece, Cyprus and Spain. If captain and lynchpin Gould doesn’t complete his dream move to Europe, they should be there or thereabouts.

Hunt, perhaps still paying for the £1.5m departure of Bongani Khumalo from the Matsatsantsa in January, admits: "It was a big comedown last season. But that's history. We are currently rebuilding, we’ve made massive changes,with 13 new players.

"I'm confident in our new recruits who will bring both experience and youth to the side. But there's no pressure. We'll just take it one game at a time."

Bet we’ll hear that phrase used again over the next ten months.

MTN8 opening fixtures (played first weekend in August, R8m to eventual winners):
Orlando Pirates v Santos
Ajax Cape Town v SuperSport United;
Kaizer Chiefs v Bidvest Wits

Mamelodi Sundowns v Bloemfontein Celtic

Tottenham's loan ranger Khumalo will be Reading between the lines

Bongani Khumalo’s topsy-turvy football career as Tottenham’s “loan ranger” has become a case of Reading between the lines. Careful, that’s Reading, not reading.

It was the Royals coach Brian McDermott, questioned by the local Reading Post newspaper, who gave us a nudge and a wink towards the former SuperSports United captain’s future destination this weekend.

While Khumalo was helping Tottenham Hotspur win the Vodacom Challenge Final with an emphatic 3-0 over Orlando Pirates at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, his future Championship team-mates were winning by an identical score-line at Northampton Town’s less impressive Sixfields.

After the game former Arsenal midfielder McDermott, the 50-year-old Reading boss renowned for unearthing young talent at the Madejski Stadium, was asked about South Africa’s 24-year-old centre-back Khumalo and grinned: “He’s a player I know well.”

Thousands of miles south in Johannesburg, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp confirmed Khumalo would be headed 40 miles west to Reading, despite offering the Bafana Bafana defender to Scottish champions Rangers on loan three weeks ago.

Redknapp, who hates being described as a wheeler-dealer, said: “Look, Bongani lacks experience, this is only his first year in England. I have experienced central defenders like Ledley King, William Gallas, Michael Dawson, Younes Kaboul and Sebastien Bassong.

“So it looks like this loan move to Reading will happen. We have the option of a recall in January, but it will be a good move for him. He’s a good lad.

“It will be difficult for him to get into the team here. He will be much better off going out on loan to gain experience and adapt to the lifestyle in England.

“I’m sure in a year he will come back a better player. Then it will be up to him to prove whether he is good enough to start for Spurs.”

Khumalo was subjected to a similar set of quotes last season, when he was farmed out to doomed Championship club Preston North End after failing to break in to the first team after his £1.5m move from Pretoria in January. He managed six games before suffering a metatarsal injury. Preston were relegated but their former Hull City boss Phil Brown did laud some of his performances as “outstanding”.

The word from Reading is there are a few loose ends to be tied up. They will have to pay Khumalo's salary, as is the tradition with loan moves. Khumalo’s agent Glyn Binkin appeared keen on the move to Glasgow and possible Champions League football under new Rangers boss Ally McCoist. But the switch to Reading will mean significantly less unheaval – and a gentler path to regular English football for Khumalo, often hailed as “the new Lucas Radebe”.

Unless there is a last-minute hitch, Khumalo will return to train not with Spurs but Reading this week but he had this parting message for his homeland: “I get a lot of love from the people of this wonderful country and I’m grateful for that.”

Crystal Palace won't dig deep for Gould... but mighty Morgan will dig deeper for a European future

SuperSports United centre-back Morgan Gould remained stoically upbeat after his surprise rejection at the hands of English Championship club Crystal Palace yesterday.

The 28-year-old flew home to Oliver Tambo International after his two weeks in South London insisting he “definitely” still wants to play in Europe, adding: “I’ve learned a lot from this experience.”

Gould , in man-of-the-match form when South Africa fought out a 0-0 draw against seven-times African champions Egypt in Cairo last month, was generally “impressive” on trial with the championship club in pre-season friendlies against Basingstoke and Wycombe Wanderers.

And with Bafana Bafana team-mate Kagisho Dikgachoi already at Selhurst Park after his move from Fulham, Morgan’s £500,000 transfer well within the bounds of most Championship clubs. Effectively the English second division, the Championship (18,106) is officially the sixth best-supported league in the world after Germany’s Bundesliga (42,673), the English Premier League (34,780), Spain’s La Liga (29,124), Italy’s Serie A (25,304) and France’s Ligue 1 (19,742).

But the Croydon Advertiser, the local “bible” for Palace fans, quoted Palace boss Dougie Friedman as saying yesterday: "Morgan did very well but at the price they were after I just felt he wasn't quite right for us.

“We're working to a very tight budget and at that price he would have had to go straight into the team and 'm not sure he was quite ready for that."

But when Gould arrived on trial, the Advertiser wrote: “Palace have only one recognised central defender in their ranks – and that is the error-prone Paddy McCarthy. A new man at the back is very much needed.”

Gould himself, talking to London-based former Johannesburg football writer Ed Aarons, said: “I most definitely still want to play in Europe.

“I’ll have to go back to South Africa and wait to hear if there are any other options. But it was a good experience that I will learn a lot from.

“We had a meeting today and Dougie said he likes everything he has seen but they need a player who can adapt quickly to the league. They are looking for someone who is experienced in playing in Europe so I have to respect that and move on now. Everything that happens to me I take it as a learning curve.”

On their fan site, Palace fan Lewisham Eagle wrote: “From what I read into that Dougie seems interested in Gould but wants to drive to price down.” EagleNut wrote: “We won't be signing Gould - DF thinks the price is too high and he 'isn't ready' for the first team.”

Prior to Gould’s rejection, Palace fans were being advised to stock up on blue and red vuvuzelas and rename one end at Selhurst Park “The Nelson Mandela Stand” in honour of KG (not many south Londoners can pronounce Dikgachoi) and Gould.

Palace were plunged into a financial crisis when colourful chairman Simon Jordan left after the club went into administration last year – they eventually avoided relegation by six points - but they still managed to pay around the same fee (5.3 million South African rand at yesterday’s rates) for midfielder Dikgachoi.

Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur paid £1.5m (around R16m) for Gould’s centre-back partner Bongani Khumalo last January and he has yet to play for the first team, though he has played in both Spurs’ Vodacom challenge matches in South Africa over the past week.

Just 24 hours before deciding to ditch Gould, Friedman saw Soweto-born 28-year-old who started out at Jomo Cosmos impress in a 0-0 pre-season draw at League One outfit Wycombe Wanderers. He said then: “Morgan has done fantastically well but I think it is only right I talk to the kid before I make any statement.

"It's hard to judge, but he's been with us for a week and we know what we're after. You do your homework and you'll see the signings I bring in will be the right type, the right age, the right profile and he fits all of that.

"So he's done alright but we'll have a chat with him tomorrow and see.

"There's a long, long way to go. There is a fee involved and before we can even go anywhere we'd have to get the right deal. We'll see."

Gould, capped 17 times by South Africa, will return to pre-season training with Supersports United next week. Boss Gavin Hunt may well be breathing a huge sigh of relief over Friedman’s harsh decision to return his captain. Matsatsantsa (The Swanky Boys) struggled in the South African Premier League last season, failing by a substantial margin to maintain the standards which led to three successive South African Premier League titles in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Keep up with all the latest sports news at www.neal-collins.blogspot.com and www.twitter.com/nealcol.

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David Pleat's Advice To Tottenham's Bongani Khumalo... and The Man Himself's First Impressions

David Pleat, the 65-year-old footballing icon responsible for taking Bongani Khumalo from Supersports United to Tottenham Hotspur this month, has a word of warning for South Africa’s latest export.

Pleat, who picked out Khumalo’s unruffled defending while working for the BBC during the World Cup and recommended a £1.5m move after a trial period at Spurs in August, said: “Bongani must not try and chase the elusive dream too quickly. He needs to be patient and to take his time settling in.”

With the fate of Spurs’ last South African Mabilelo OJ Mabizela clear in his mind, Pleat told BBC Radio Five Live: “The change in environment and culture is going to massive for him and it is so important that he embraces the club and fellow players fully.”

OJ famously scored on his debut for Spurs in 2004 when Pleat was involved as a caretaker manager at White Hart Lane - but 14 months and just seven games later, he returned home with addiction problems.

Pleat knows Khumalo, who arrived in London on his 24^th birthday last week, will be under pressure. Particularly as he will be training at Tottenham’s Chigwell training facility with a certain David Beckham, who passed a medical yesterday and remains keen to play while he is with Harry Redknapp’s squad.

Khumalo started training with the bevy of top coaches, including former Leeds legend Joe Jordan, Kevin Bond, Tim Sherwood and goal-getter Clive Allen, last Friday. His agent Glyn Binkin, who joined Khumalo on the flight to Heathrow, said his man is settling in well and is dealing with one of the coldest winter’s on record in Britain.

With William Gallas, Michael Dawson and Sebastien Bassong standing in his way, Khumalo may have similar problems. Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate are injured while Younes Kaboul is returning from a three match suspension, making a central-defensive platoon of seven since Khumalo’s arrival on the training ground.

The player himself said on the club’s official website: "All the players are very professional and very good, genuine guys and quality players. I've been very fortunate to just be a part of that and take in the experience so far.

"They've done so well this season and there are quality players all around. I just want to be part of the success.

"I want to win games here, I want to win titles - that's what the game's about. I've been fortunate to experience some success in my career back home lifting trophies and I would like to do the same here. The feeling is addictive.

"It's a higher level, it's not easy but I'm going to give it my best and contribute as best as I can to the team's success."

"I'm looking to learn as fast as I can and do all I can to contribute to this wonderful team.

Pleat, the former Spurs Director of Football famous for his on-field jig when Luton Town avoided relegation in 1983, advises only child Khumalo: “A lot will depend on finding the right kind of friends. He has to do the right things both on and off the field. As you know, there were one or two problems with OJ Mabizela. In the end were too much for us to cope with.

“Football will not take up all your time. In your spare time you must take up an interest, it’s very important

“Whether it’s spending time around London, going to the theatre or whatever, players need to make sure that their mind is motivated and that they’re not bored.”

Pleat has his regrets over the OJ saga. He remembers well the debut goal against Leicester and admits: “We like OJ. He was outstanding in the air. A very forceful play. I think in his case we could have done better for him.

“But we didn’t know enough about his background. If we had then perhaps we could have helped him more. He came over and did well but it was hard for him to get into the first team."

Spurs New Boy Bongani Khumalo Ear-Marked For FA Cup Debut Against Charlton on January 9

Bongani Khumalo has been ear-marked to make his debut for Spurs on January 9 – against Charlton Athletic in the all-London FA Cup third round clash at White Hart Lane.

With centre-back Younes Kaboul sent off against Newcastle on Tuesday night and fellow defensive buttresses Jonathan Woodgate, William Gallas and Ledley King all still injured, boss Harry Redknapp is “down to the bare bones” in central defence as the New Year dawns.

Redknapp appears to have only Michael Dawson and Sebastien Bassong to juggle with as Spurs face Fulham at home on Saturday followed by Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.

Though Khumalo, 23, has had his problems with injury and form as champions Supersports United hover just above the relegation zone in South Africa this season, he may have had a chance of playing in those two upcoming Premier League matches. But the big freeze in England has delayed Khumalo’s arrival in North London.

Spurs are likely to shuffle the pack for the FA Cup clash and if Khumalo - whose first name, Bongani, means happiness - has settled and trained well, a debut against the Addicks is “quite likely”. Others believe he needs a spell on loan in the lower division to adapt to English conditions after his grounding in the mediocre South African Premier League.

Khumalo’s planned flight to Heathrow has been delayed with agent Glyn Binkin admitting: "There's been a slight delay because of all the snow – as you know, the work permit was granted a few weeks ago. We’re just waiting for the final visa to be validated - all the documents we had to send over were caught up in the post as a result of the freeze and things have taken slightly longer than we had anticipated.

"I'm certain he'll travel before the end of the week. Spurs have had a lot of injuries and suspensions so it's going to be a great opportunity when he finally gets to London. I hope he will rise to the occasion."

Spurs remain in contention for both the Premier League – their last two wins over Newcastle and Aston Villa came despite being reduced to 10 men twice – and the Champions League, where they finished top of their Group of Death, ahead of European Champions Inter Milan. They face city rival Milan in the first knock-out game on February 15.

But on the domestic knock-out front, Charlton are a potential stumbling block. The former Premier League club have slumped to League One in recent seasons. But the Addicks remain third in their third-flight division despite picking up only one point in their last three games over the Christmas period.

Khumalo, described by a Redknapp as “an African kid from a poor background” after his trial at White Hart Lane in August, has been at pains to state he is not the archetypal foreign signing. An only child whose father was a language professor, he famously responded: “I’m not one of 14 children. I’m probably quite middle class.”

Handed the captain’s armband by Gavin Hunt at Supersports, Khumalo is expected to achieve great things at Spurs after scoring against France during a World Cup when he was one of Bafana Bafana’s few true successes. But he may take time to settle in, especially with temperatures dipping close to freezing in England, conditions he has rarely had to deal with, growing up in Pretoria with Arcadia and University of Pretoria.

But he may be warmed on his landing in London by the simultaneous arrival of Bafana Bafana team-mate Steven Pienaar. Out of contract at Everton in the summer, Pienaar is being consistently linked to a cut-price £2m move to join the Redknapp revolution when the January transfer window opens.

Who the hell is Neal Collins (nealcol on Twitter)? Read today's Natal Mercury or Star in Johannesburg or see www.nealcollins.co.uk.

Spurs make their point and get their man. Chelsea? They're all at sea

Bongani Khumalo’s Premier League debut moved a huge step closer as his new club Tottenham fought out a fascinating 1-1 draw with Chelsea at White Hart Lane last night.

SuperSports United captain and Bafana Bafana lynchpin Khumalo, 23, was granted a work permit to complete his £1m move to White Hart Lane yesterday with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp confirming: “It’s good news. We’ve got the paperwork through for Khumalo.”

And how Harry needs a fit young centreback as his side head into the second half of a dramatic title race – and the knock-out phase of the Champions League.

Yesterday’s clash with faltering Chelsea was a riveting affair. Spurs went ahead through Russian Roman Pavlyuchenko’s well taken goal but Chelsea brought on Ivory Coast talisman Didier Drogba at half-time – and the big man promptly blasted the equaliser through the hands of Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomez.

But there was late drama when Gomez gave away a late penalty – but saved Drogba’s spot kick with a glorious leap to his left. Frank Lampard, Chelsea’s regular penalty taker, had come on as a substitute after three months of injury, but was not offered the chance to take the spot kick.

That point gives Redknapp hope of grabbing a Champions League place by finishing in the top four but he is rapidly running out of centrebacks.

Former Chelsea and Arsenal defender William Gallas pulled a hamstring in training on Friday and England international Michael Dawson was forced to take his place – and the captain’s armband – after his own three-month battle with an ankle injury picked upon England duty.

Dawson lined up next to Frenchman Sebastien Bassong as Tottenham are also missing Younes Kaboul and long-term injury problems Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate.

All of which gives Khumalo a great chance to break into the Spurs squad when he becomes eligible on January 1. Lucas Radebe, like Aaron Mokoena a South African who made a career for himself at centreback in England, says: “Khumalo will be a great ambassador for South Africa. I wish him well at Spurs.”

Chelsea captain John Terry said: “I thought we fully deserved to win the game, we dominated them second half. They made it difficult at times but that was more like the Chelsea we know.

“Didier was brave enough to stand up and take the penalty. The passion has been lacking in recent weeks but we’re back now. Now we’ve got two huge games, Manchester United at the Bridge and Arsenal at the Emirates.

“We just have to hope tomorrow’s game is a draw.”

And by that of course, Terry is referring to tonight’s showdown between leaders Arsenal and Manchester United at Old Trafford. Terry said: “United and Arsenal are both playing well at the moment but we can be right up there with them.”

But Drogba’s missed penalty denied the current double-winners victory yet again, and means they have taken just six points from their last 21. Their seven-point lead has rapidly turned into a deficit since the surprise sacking of Carlo Ancelotti’s No2 Ray Wilkins six weeks ago.

Who the hell is Neal Collins (nealcol on Twitter)? See www.nealcollins.co.uk. And for African readers, I'll be on SuperSport HD at 8.30pm tonight discussing Arsenal at Manchester United with Terry Paine and Shaun Bartlett. Promise to be controversial. You want any points raised, just say below.

It's official: Bongani Khumalo signs for Spurs, and it could be crucial for Harry's hopes

South Africa’s hottest prospect Bongani Khumalo has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Tottenham for £1.5million (R18 million) in the January transfer window.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp admits: "Bongani is not expensive. We had him over on trial and we like him. He's got potential and we've got a tie-up with his club SuperSports United so we've taken him on.

The move, predicted here two months ago, opens up the prospect of Khumalo being joined by fellow Bafana Bafana international Steve Pienaar at Spurs. Redknapp has expressed an interest in the Everton midfielder, who is out of contract in the summer.

Redknapp said: "It will be a great chance for Bongani. He's a great lad. He comes from a poor background and he's desperate for a chance and we're going to give him a chance."

We’ll discuss the “poor background” bit later, but Tottenham's official statement yesterday read: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached a pre-contract agreement with SuperSport United for the transfer of Bongani Khumalo to the club in January 2011 subject to a work permit being granted.

"The club has enjoyed a successful association with Supersport United having formed a long-term partnership with the South African champions back in 2007."

With Ledley King’s knees ever-troublesome, Michael Dawson still recovering from injury and Jonathan Woodgate unavailable for months, towering defender Khumalo – whose Christian name means “happiness” - could yet be the key to Tottenham staying in the Premier League’s top four this season.

Redknapp’s creaking centre-back pairing of William Gallas and Sebastien Bassong were anything but watertight as they leaked four early goals against Inter Milan last Tuesday.

The 23-year-old, 6ft 2in Khumalo, who scored in South Africa’s World Cup win over France in June, barely put a foot wrong during the tournament and enjoyed a successful two-week trial at White Hart Lane in August.

Khumalo, born in Swaziland but a regular in the South Africa side with 19 caps, should have no trouble gaining a work permit before the big move which should happen pretty darn quick after the New Year dawns. Spurs fans will be hoping they are still in contention for the title at that point – and have survived the Champions League cut after that epic 4-3 defeat against holders Inter in Group A.

Redknapp would have signed Khumalo during the summer but he gambled on the old war-horse Gallas (a 33-year-old on a free transfer from arch-rivals Arsenal) and lost Dawson when he sprained his ankle playing in England’s 4-0 win over Bulgaria early in the season.

At the time, SuperSports United chairman Khulu Sibiya made it known he would have let Khumalo go “for just a little more money”.

Today the club released a statement saying: “Supersport United are pleased to announce that a pre-contract agreement with Tottenham Hotspur for the transfer of Bongani Khumalo with effect from January 2011 has been concluded, subject to a work permit being granted.

“In paying tribute to the player, Supersport United Chairman, Khulu Sibiya, expressed his delight with the opportunity granted to Khumalo who joined the club at the beginning of the 2007/2008 PSL season.

“Bongani has been an exceptional player for Supersport United. His three and a half years at the club has seen him develop into one of the best footballers in the country and his contribution was a major factor in the club winning three consecutive ABSA Premiership League titles. Everyone at the club wishes him well in his future career at Tottenham Hotspur.

“ We are equally proud of the fact that Bongani is joining our partners, Tottenham Hotspur, with whom we have enjoyed a fantastic and fruitful relationship since 2007 and we are convinced that this relationship will continue to grow from strength to strength in the years to come.”

But there is always the lingering memory of one Mbulelo OJ Mabizela and his time in North London.

Mabizela scored a cracker on his debut for Spurs in 2003 but never settled. Khumalo should have no such problems and is widely expected to rival everything achieved by Lucas Radebe in a glorious decade with Leeds United which came to a close in 2005.

Despite Redknapp’s insistence that he is form “a poor background”, Khumalo’s mum is an English teacher and his late father was a lecturer in African languages at UNISA. He is articulate and well-balanced and will have all the support he needs in London. He says: “As a professional you need to carry yourself very well. It’s vital you train well and set a good example on and off the field. I live in that lifestyle.

“You have to stay motivated, stay strong mentally. I have always wanted to play in England and obviously in the Premier League, and it is my dream to move to Tottenham. It is up to me to make sure it works.

"Playing in the Champions League would be another dream. I think the Champions League is the closest level to the World Cup in terms of quality and the play, so it would be great to make the move."

Yes, that’s the way the lad talks. With conviction. Khumalo explains: “My mum was an English teacher at a high school, so English was always the main focus. I speak English the way I was taught.”

The great chief himself, Radebe, adds this: "Bongani is destined for great heights in his football career,” while Gavin Hunt, the coach who has seen Supersport United win three consecutive South Africa Premier League titles despite their tiny fan base, says: "People should realise that Bongani is a player who has the quality to play in one of the top leagues in Europe.

"He has matured so well in the last few years and I am so pleased that he has been given the chance to experience this World Cup in South Africa."

KHUMALO: the story so far:

1987: Born in Manzini, Swaziland, when his parents were working there.

1989: Moved to the township of Mamelodi near Pretoria aged two.

2001: Played junior football for Arcadia Shepherds, the once-famous Pretoria club responsible for grooming such luminaries as Aston Villa’s European Cup winner Peter Withe and former Blackburn, QPR and Coventry star Roy Wegerle.

2005: Moved to the University of Pretoria, who operate a second division side in South Africa.

2007: Signed for SuperSports United.

2010: He drives a Seat Leon Cupra (“the beast”) and told me during the World Cup: “We all want to play for big teams overseas and if the opportunity comes I’ll jump at it.”

VERDICT: Bongani, there’s no way you’ll “do an OJ” when you come over in January. But if you need a sympathetic bloke to show you London, I’m here pal. Despite the fact I grew up playing for Arcadia Shepherds’ arch-rivals Berea Park, you’re welcome to share my house with my four crazy kids any time. All I ask in return is that you turn out, just once, for my team Goldhill Baptists on the common in Chalfont St Giles, recently voted Buckinghamshire’s Best Kept Village. It’s 23 miles from London. We’re the current national over-35 FA Cup holders and are currently unbeaten atop the South Bucks Church League Division One. I’m the other centre-back. You won’t regret it.

Bongani Khumalo: With Dawson Injured, Will Redknapp Regret His Decision?

AND suddenly, Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp is left ruing his decision not to sign South Africa’s finest defender Bongani Khumalo before the transfer window slammed shut last week.

When his England defender Michael Dawson lurched over on the Wembley turf during the second half of last Friday’s 4-0 win over Bulgaria, Redknapp and his Spurs followers had their hearts in their mouths.

With Ledley King already reduced to training on the massage table and Jonathan Woodgate so injury prone he’s not even in the current 25-man squad, Spurs are, as our ‘Arry likes to say: “Down to the bare bones” at centre-back.

And Khumalo, who spent a “highly successful” trial period at White Hart Lane last month, is back home, waiting to captain South African champions SuperSports United against Mamelodi Sundowns at the HM Pitje Stadium on the 18^th after South Africa’s 2-0 win over Niger.

If the big move comes, it won’t be until the window creaks open again on January 1.

Dawson will be out for “at least eight weeks” after spraining his ankle and knee on England duty, leaving Spurs with veteran French defender William Gallas, Younes Kaboul and Cameroon’s Sebastian Bassong to cope at West Brom on Saturday.

All they had to do, according to SuperSports United chairman Khulu Sibiya, was offer a little more money and they would have had Khumalo, the 23-year-old sensation who scored against France and was a World Cup ever-present in South Africa.

Sure, north London has not always been a slick route for South African footballing émigrés, just ask Mbulelo OJ Mabizela, who came over from Orlando Pirates and sank without trace after scoring a cracker on his debut in 2003. Mabizela is now back home with the Platinum Stars. Not because he couldn’t play, but because he was all at sea in London.

But Khumalo, articulate, contained, ever-so-serious, clearly believes he is ready to follow in the footsteps of former South Africa captains Lucas Radebe, still a hero in Leeds where they named a pop group after his beloved Kaizer Chiefs, and Aaron Mokoena, who taught Portsmouth fans exactly what an Mbazo can do in football boots.

In this strange Premier League versus Media Madness world, Khumalo just has to glimpse Benni McCarthy’s plight at West Ham or this week’s Wayne Rooney headlines to know what to expect.

The response is all it could be: “I enjoyed my trial with Spurs and all I can say is that, at this stage, the deal is pending and an announcement will be made later.

“As a professional you need to carry yourself very well. It’s vital you train well and set a good example on and off the field. I live in that lifestyle.

“When you play, and you watch the stands, it adds more energy to your play. You know what it means to the fans.

“You have to stay motivated, stay strong mentally. The next step would be to move overseas, to play in the European leagues.”

"It would be a dream come true if the transfer materialises. I have always wanted to play in England and obviously in the Premier League, and it would be a dream to move to Tottenham. If it happens, it would be up to me to make sure it works.

"Playing in the Champions League would be another dream. I think the Champions League is the closest level to the World Cup in terms of quality and the play, so it would be great to make the move."

And for linguists reading this, relax. He really does talk that way. Khumalo explains: “My mum was an English teacher at a high school, so English was always the main focus. I speak English the way I was taught.”

Oh, and his late father was a lecturer in African languages at Unisa. If only Fabio Capello’s parents had been something similar, the England camp might be a lot happier right now.

But I digress.

Radebe, who changed the way South Africans are seen in England, insists: "Bongani is destined for great heights in his football career,” while Glyn Binkin, who represents both players, is not going to let wheeler-dealer ‘Arry have his man on the cheap. Before the expected move in January, Binkin warns: "At this stage, absolutely nothing has been finalised and discussions are ongoing between representatives of the various parties.”

Khumalo, born when his parents were working in Swaziland in 1987, is 23. Resident in Mamelodi near Pretoria from the age of two, he started out at Arcadia Shepherds, the once-famous capital club responsible for grooming such luminaries as Aston Villa’s European Cup winner Peter Withe and former Blackburn, QPR and Coventry star Roy Wegerle.

Then he moved on to the University of Pretoria before signing for SuperSports United, who have dominated the South African Premier League for three years despite their marked lack of support.

There, he is under the watchful eye of South Africa’s own Alex Ferguson, Gavin Hunt. A no-nonsense coach who told me England were rubbish before the World Cup even started, Hunt says: "People should realise that Bongani is a player who has the quality to play in one of the top leagues in Europe.

"He has matured so well in the last few years and I am so pleased that he has been given the chance to experience this World Cup in South Africa."

Hunt, who has himself been linked with jobs in England, is aware of interest in Khumalo from Rangers in Scotland, and from elsewhere in Europe.

But for Bongani happily remains with the Matsatsantse, and lists his favourite Premier League player as Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic.

He drives Seat Leon Cupra (“the beast”), smiles too infrequently and concludes: “We all want to play for big teams overseas and if the opportunity comes I’ll jump at it.”

FOOTNOTE: Bongani, if you do come over in January and you need a sympathetic bloke to show you London, I’m here pal. Despite the fact I grew up playing for Arcadia Shepherds’ arch-rivals Berea Park, you’re welcome to share my house with my four crazy kids any time. All I ask in return is that you turn out, just once, for my team Goldhill Baptists on the common in Chalfont St Giles, recently voted Buckinghamshire’s Best Kept Village. It’s about half-an-hour from London. We’re the current national over-35 FA Cup holders. I’m the other centre-back. You won’t regret it.

The World Cup's TEN great miracles: from affable Afrikaners to triumphant trumpets

Africa’s first World Cup is coming to a glorious climax. We have seen so much to wonder at, we have seen so many problems surmounted, so many great goals, so much scintillating football, so many poor refereeing decisions, so many dreams shattered.

The World Cup that was supposed to collapse in chaos has risen above the carping doom-sayers. As I have said from the start, it could turn out to be the best yet. Every night for a month, the eyes of the world have been upon the Rainbow Nation. And I have yet to meet an unhappy travelling fan... Algerian, America, English, Italian, Slovenian, Brazilian. Believe me, I have spoken to footballing pilgrims from around the world.

Okay, the pitch at Port Elizabeth wasn’t perfect. Some of the park-and-ride facilities have required a stiff hike after the whistle. Polokwane and Nelspruit, just two of the wonderful new stadiums on offer, may never see the like again.

And Sepp Blatter is still a dictator with one eye firmly on the profit margins.

But now I think we must address the truly miraculous elements of South Africa 2010. The unexpected realities that must be examined before 22 gladiators meet for their life-or-death struggle at Soccer City on Sunday. As the Romans might have said: Incredibili (that’s unbelievable in Latin).

1 Affable Afrikaners

Not known for their love of footballers (or anyone else for that matter) the lost white tribe of Africa take No1 spot purely for their stoicism. Having had their rugby ground in Pretoria stolen by the World Cup (their beloved Blue Bulls had to play the Super 15 final in Soweto just before the big kick-off) our bearded friends (men and women) have somehow taken this whole African festival of footie on the chin. Having just read a particularly nasty little fascist newspaper called “The Afrikaner”, which offers only the prospect of post-Apartheid apocalypse, I swear this is true: When Paraguay bored the pants off Japan at Loftus Versfeld last week, a family of Afrikaners were attempting to master the Vuvuzela in front of me. The mum just couldn’t get it right. She sounded like a chronic case of flatulence. So the black couple next to them offered help. And the black kids further along. By the end of the game they were taking pictures of each other in warm embrace. The mum told me afterwards: “That was such fun. I’ve never really been to a social event with blecks.” And that was just one incident among dozens. Onbewaarbaar (that’s unbelievable in Afrikaans).

2 Jabulani joy

After a month of being told how the new adidas ball is far too light and impossible to control, we finally get to Cape Town and the Holland v Uruguay semi-final. By this time, only two Japanese free-kicks in the space of five minutes against Denmark had really shown any great potential. Then Gio van Bronkhorst, the Dutch captain who is nearly as old as Jan van Riebeeck, hits one from about thirty yards. If the net hadn’t been there to stop it, the superlight Jabulani may have ended up happily on Robben Island. An absolute scorcher. Later we had Diego Forlan hitting one which bent all over the place. How Gavin Cowley, the adidas spokesman behind the Jabulani, must have smiled. Nothing wrong with this ball. Just took a bit of getting used to. And consider the profit it has made around the globe after all those headlines. Unglaublich (that’s unbelievable in German).

3 Fantastic fanatics

I’ve mentioned before the incredible scenes when the US pipped Algeria with a last-minute Landon Donovan goal to top Group C. The Yanks couldn’t believe their luck. Mad celebration which culiminated in the striker from Hull Jozy Altidor going over the fence to clasp the Stars and Stripes. Right in front of the massed ranks of Algerians, north African Muslims to a man (and woman). Did they react? Barely a whisper. They smiled and clapped as their American rivals, not all that popular in the Muslim world, enjoyed their moment. Had Jozy celebrated like that at the New Den, Millwall fans may have offered a few oaths. Even the odd oaf. But Pretoria remained peaceful. Scenes like that have been replayed all over South Africa; Uruguayan joy, African misery; German jubilation, English desolation; Dutch delight, Brazilian disbelief. And not a fight in sight. Increíble (that’s unbelievable in Spanish).

4 Mandela magic

The father of this Rainbow Nation has not been well enough to play a public role in proceedings. On the day the tournament kicked-off his great-grand-daughter died in a car accident on the way home from the opening concert. But still Nelson Mandela’s magic pervades this World Cup, our world. Time after time, the name of Madiba crops up to unify the people, to make them proud, to provide a reference point. He may not even be aware of it. Long before this tournament began, I was told FIFA had a contingency plan in place should his incredible life come to an end. But somehow he has endured. And you know he’s loving every minute with this once-divided nation on show to billions around the planet. Long may it continue. Ngakholeki(yo) (that’s unbelievable in Xhosa).

5 Maradona manners

Dodgy Diego was doing so well. His Argentina side appeared ready to go all the way. Loving it in the spotlight, he told us: “You said I couldn’t coach, but we are winning.” And they were, in style, despite those curious coaching sessions with Argies pelting the Jabulani at each other’s exposed bottoms at the Pretoria University High Performance Centre. King Diego sat astride his mighty throne (the specially imported R45,000 bidet-toilets he had demanded for his room) and waved to the crowds so much he might have injured his wrist. And then Germany came along and put four past them in the quarter-finals. Smaller men might have been rude to the media, bitten their dog, turned to illicit substances or taken a shot at a reporter. But Diego held it together: “I'm as disappointed as all Argentines. To see my country lose a football match is very hard for someone who has worn the shirt.” Unfasslick (that’s also German for unbelievable).

6 Richie Rich

Rich Mkhondo was the sacrificial lamb put in charge of communications by FIFA before this World Cup began. Despite nearly 50 years as an author and journalist, Rich told me back in Janauary during the cricket tour that he knew exactly how tough his task was going to be. Sepp Blatter’s bunch have never been the most popular people and here he was, the kid from Katlehong, supposed to defend them to the hilt. But as the stories of bloodbaths, gangs, crime and deadly snakes ripped into his nation from around the world did Richie howl “unfair” and banish all foreign journalists? Never! When the nation cried foul as FIFA got it wrong time and again, did our Richie look disheartened? Never! And here we are, close to the finish line. And the bloke I remember so well from Rhodes University and the Rand Daily Mail all those years ago is able to tell us this World Cup has been a roaring success. This week, the predicted influx of rand-rich fans is headed towards the half-a-million mark. Mighty Mkhondo assured us: "We are confident that we will surpass the number of 450 000 that we initially predicted. And there’s still a few days to go.” Nswempu (that’s Zulu for unbelievable).

7 Dutch delight

I said before this tournament began that Holland, with Europe’s two best players (Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder and Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben, they met at the Champions League final) were the best outside bet at 12-1 with Paddy Power. Now unbeaten in a record 25 games and currently on a streak of 10 successive wins, the lurid orange glow has lit up this tournament. They’ve never won it before, and my Olympic experiences at Sydney and Athens suggest they will travel in great numbers, despite a lack of available flights. The final looms and Arsenal’s lethal Robin Van Persie is just starting to turn it on after injury. In a country settled by Dutch pioneer Jan van Riebeeck and still inhabited by over ten million who speak a form of their language, the whole thing is, well... ongelofelijk (that’s Dutch for unbelievable).

8 Trumpet triumphant

The much-derided Vuvuzela was supposed to ruin this World Cup. Critics with ear-plugs from around the world lined up to call for a blanket ban. Or just a blanket. But the sound of South Africa 2010 refused to go away. Then the Vuvuzela turned up at a baseball game in Florida. And at the European Formula One Grand Prix in Valencia. It was banned from the Pamplona bull run in Spain but emerged unscathed to become a specialised button on the website YouTube. Push it, and you get a belligerent blast. Now it is selling out around the world. A simple plastic horn designed only to enhance the atmosphere at poorly attended local football games. Paaaaaarp (that’s Vuvuzela for unbelievable).

9 Superstars splattered

Wayne Rooney. Cristiano Ronaldo. The appropriately named Kaka. Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka. The holders Italy. Ah, how the mighty have fallen, as they so often do in African skirmishes. Just google Isandlwana (1979 was another bad year for England). Who could have predicted they would all be at home, licking their wounds and watching the final on television? This is just what football needed: a slap in the face for the overpaid superstars of football. Leave it instead to tiny Holland to carry the banner. Or the young, unfancied Germans. And let the glory belong to Ghana, who were denied an historic place in the last four only by the hand of Luis Suarez. In the end, all three “Hand of God” exponents were laid low. Suarez, Maradona... and Henry. Dochreidte (that’s unbelievable in Irish).

10 SuperSport sizzles

Thomas Mlambo is South Africa’s real World Cup winner. Watched by a huge domestic audience as the SABC struggles, SuperSport presenter Thomas Sipho Mlambo started out as an in-store announcer for a local shopping chain in Johannesburg. Now he’s the authentic voice of African football. Dealing with anything from the age-wearied cynicism of Terry “It wasn’t a great game” Paine, the sharp insights of John “I can also do rap” Barnes and a host of guests from all over the globe, “Big Brother” never stops smiling. A former Wits footballer before his knees packed up, tee-total Mlambo wants to get married, own a Maserati and settle down. Or so he says. As long as he doesn’t stop talking football. They said South Africa couldn’t cover a World Cup properly, let alone host the event. As Thomas says so often through that glittering smile... unbelieeeeeevable (that’s SuperSport for unbelievable).

South Africa's top coach doesn't rate England: Exclusive

THERE are few better people to sit with when you’re watching football than Gavin Hunt, coach of Supersport United. The man who has won three successive South African Premier League titles was in scathing form as we watched England wheeze their way to victory over Platinum Stars on Monday night.

The Three Lions were putrid in the first half and only a Bradley Grobler penalty miss enabled them to creep off at half-time 1-0 after an early Jermain Defoe strike. Hunt said: “That was rubbish. Horrible. England have no shape, no idea! I’m backing the USA to beat them (in their opening Group C clash at the nearby Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Saturday).”

But Hunt wasn’t simply being critical of a sub-par performance in what was, in truth, a meaningless friendly. He was right... and he accurately picked out the weaknesses in England’s formation which were largely dealt with by England boss Fabio Capello, who made ten changes at half-time.

Hunt grumbled: “Look at Ashley Cole, he’s supposed to be one of the world’s great full-backs but he’s getting pushed off the ball by local players.

“Shaun Wright-Phillips (above) is playing his role wide on the right all wrong. He’s like a second full-back. He’s not pushing on into the space. And Glenn Johnson? I can’t believe Liverpool paid millions for a right back of that quality!”

Hunt saved his most vitriolic outburst for the central-midfield pairing of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, generally considered the best midfielders in the English Premier League.

He said: “You just can’t play those two together. With Gareth Barry injured, you need Michael Carrick in there to spray the passes around, while Lamps or Gerrard play a holding role.”

At one point in the interminable first half, Hunt turned to former South Africa goalkeeper Deshi Bhaktawer and I and roared: “Rubbish! England are being outplayed by this lot... and they’re not even a very good side by our standards!”

Almost as if Capello had read his mind, Ashley Cole was one of ten players ditched at half-time. Gerrard, who barely touched the ball in 45 minutes, made way for Carrick. Tottenham’s Aaron Lennon came on for the ineffective Wright-Phillips... and the game turned around.

For the first time, Hunt was impressed. With Defoe and Peter Crouch replaced by the traditional England pairing of Emile Heskey and Wayne Rooney, England were starting to look like an international side rather than a bunch of jet-lagged tourists.

Rooney found himself booked for dissent, and he was throwing himself into ridiculous challenges – but Hunt was loving Manchester United’s talismanic top scorer. He bellowed: “Brilliant! What an attitude. This is what it’s all about. Give me a Rooney any day!”

Sadly, Rooney is way out of his price range at Supersports United. Three League titles on the trot haven’t served to boost their poor attendances. Though Hunt laughs: “We use our lack of crowd as a motivational tool when we play sides like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. I love it!”

Back on the field, Heskey was fighting hard too, and running ceaselessly. Hunt, echoing the views of so many in the England camp, said: “Look at that guy. Hardly gets a goal in the Premier League, can’t get in the Aston Villa side. But he’s great with Rooney. He runs the channels. He holds the ball up. Magic. They work well together.”

Hunt appeared to be on Capello’s wavelength throughout. The man who must be in line for the South Africa job when Carlos Alberto Parreira goes back to Brazil after the World Cup, would go with Robert Green in goal “he’s got the experience”... and the West Ham goalkeeper appeared on cue, replacing the young Joe Hart.

But all that wasn’t enough to appease the sensibilities of Hunt, a man who commands massive respect and was constantly pestered for autographs through the game. His final verdict before departing a minute from time: “I still don’t rate England. It’s the US for me!”

Exclusive video footage of Monday night’s action, including Hunt in mid-criticism, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5CX4pb8Xmo